MESA, Ariz. - Typically, the A’s sign one older fella - a Rich Hill, say, or a Bartolo Colon - over the winter, driving up the average age of the rotation significantly.
Not this year. This spring, Oakland’s starting pitchers and those vying for the rotation, are 27 or less. Andrew Triggs, the favorite for the fifth spot, is the oldest of the bunch, turning 28 next month, and Jesse Hahn is 27, but two other contenders, Frankie Montas and Paul Blackburn, are 23.
“It’s definitely a strength,” general manager David Forst said.